Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025
Media Contact:
MRLA Statement on Referendum Effort Against Public Act 1 of 2025
LANSING, MI — The following statement can be attributed to Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association:
"PA 1 of 2025 represents that rare outcome voters hope for from their elected officials but rarely experience - a true bipartisan solution in the midst of a polarized environment. This particular diamond in the rough was crafted after extensive input from tens of thousands of Michigan servers, business owners, and community diners ultimately passed by both the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate, and signed by Governor Whitmer.
This misguided referendum effort by 'Voters to Stop Pay Cuts' - which is simply One Fair Wage under a new name after repeated national failures and campaign finance violations - would ironically deliver the very pay cuts they claim to oppose. Suspending PA 1 would actually slow Michigan's path to a $15 minimum wage.
After six years of legal uncertainty, our industry finally has clarity and a responsible path forward. Michigan's restaurant workers and operators deserve certainty, not the chaos that would result from suspending thoughtful, bipartisan legislation. We urge voters to decline to sign this irresponsible attempt to undermine worker-focused legislation that reflects the voices of actual Michiganders, not out-of-state interests."
"PA 1 of 2025 represents that rare outcome voters hope for from their elected officials but rarely experience - a true bipartisan solution in the midst of a polarized environment. This particular diamond in the rough was crafted after extensive input from tens of thousands of Michigan servers, business owners, and community diners ultimately passed by both the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate, and signed by Governor Whitmer.
This misguided referendum effort by 'Voters to Stop Pay Cuts' - which is simply One Fair Wage under a new name after repeated national failures and campaign finance violations - would ironically deliver the very pay cuts they claim to oppose. Suspending PA 1 would actually slow Michigan's path to a $15 minimum wage.
After six years of legal uncertainty, our industry finally has clarity and a responsible path forward. Michigan's restaurant workers and operators deserve certainty, not the chaos that would result from suspending thoughtful, bipartisan legislation. We urge voters to decline to sign this irresponsible attempt to undermine worker-focused legislation that reflects the voices of actual Michiganders, not out-of-state interests."
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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